Dermatology

Course Overview

In this first introductory course, the basic principles of dermatology are reviewed. First, the biology of the skin, with special attention to the mechanisms of innate and acquired skin immunity and to the skin microbiome. Second, the approach to the dermatological patient and how the diagnosis is made: the problem-oriented approach (POA), the decision-making process, the adequate use of diagnostic tests and the dual-processing model. Among the diagnostic tests, special attention is given to cutaneous histopathology, considered the most powerful diagnostic tool. Furthermore, the students will learn how to design effective treatment plans under the paradigm of evidence-based medicine and the principles of conservative prescription.

In the second part of the course the main bacterial diseases of the skin will be reviewed. From common diseases as superficial bacterial folliculitis to severe and uncommon conditions as necrotizing fasciitis. The adequate use of diagnostic techniques (cultures, molecular techniques) and the therapy for skin infections, including those caused by multi-resistant organisms will be discussed.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand skin structure and function (and how different components of the skin are involved in the pathogenesis of different skin diseases).
2. Approach a dermatologic patient following the POA (history, clinical and dermatologic examination, definition of the problem(s), elaboration of an adequate differential diagnosis list).
3. Perform and interpret basic diagnostic techniques (skin scrapings, cutaneous cytologies, skin cultures, skin biopsies).
4. Diagnose and treat the most common bacterial skin diseases of the dog and cat.

Main topics:

Skin biology. Mechanisms of cutaneous immunity. Skin microbiome.
The approach to the dermatologic patient. History, lesion description, problem definition and use of diagnostic techniques (cytology, histopathology, molecular techniques). How a diagnosis is made (dual processing theory).
Bacterial skin infections. Bacterial folliculitis-other superficial pyodermas.
Folliculitis-furunculosis (generalized, post-grooming, German shepherd).
Other deep bacterial infections: botryomycosis, actinomycosis, nocardiosis.
Mycobacterial infections: feline leprosy, panniculitis caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria, canine leproid granuloma syndrome. Necrotizing fasciitis.

Special focus:
Understanding bacterial resistance and the MRS issue.

Wetlabs:
Principles of cutaneous cytology.
How to obtain useful skin biopsies.
Basic histology of the skin.

Journal clubs, discussions and controversies:
Principles of evidence-based dermatology.
Journal club I: how to read a scientific paper.

Course program (subject to change)

Course location

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